In Rijswijk, Netherlands, insurance fraud has become a growing concern, with many residents unknowingly or intentionally misrepresenting information to receive undeserved benefits. As a Rijswijk resident, it's essential to understand what constitutes verzekeringsfraude (insurance fraud) and its consequences. This article aims to shed light on the specifics of insurance fraud and its implications for individuals in Rijswijk.
Insurance Fraud: What Falls Under This Category?Insurance fraud is the intentional deception of an insurer to obtain a payout to which one is not entitled. Annually, insurance fraud costs the Dutch society more than €900 million.
Forms of Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud can take various forms:
At the time of policy inception:- Providing incorrect or incomplete information
- Concealing relevant facts (such as previous damages)
- Misrepresenting one's profession or living situation
- Exaggerating the extent of damage
- Claiming damage that did not occur
- Reporting old damage as new damage
- Falsifying invoices or altering receipts
- Intentionally causing accidents
- Collaborating with disreputable repair companies
- Organized theft claims
Detection of Fraud
Insurers use various methods to detect fraud:
- Data analysis and pattern recognition
- Expert investigation
- Cooperation with the police and judiciary
- Information exchange via the CIS (Information System for Insurance)
Penalties and Consequences
If convicted of insurance fraud, you risk:
- Rejection of the claim
- Repayment of disbursed amounts
- Termination of all your insurance policies
- Registration in the EVR (up to 8 years)
- Criminal prosecution
- Civil liability for investigation costs